2022 NFL Mock Draft 2.0: Commanders add some ‘Sauce’, Saints grab a new QB
The 2022 NFL Draft is nearly here and we’re so close to finally finding out who goes where.
Mock drafts have dominated our news feeds for the last few months and months. While there continues to be speculation over player selections, we still have no clarity on who team’s will pick.
With just a day to go, we continue to make our predictions. Here’s our picks from 11 to 20 in the first round.
Round 1, 11th overall – Washington Commanders
AHMAD ‘SAUCE’ GARDNER, CB, CINCINNATI
Improving the secondary must be a priority for Washington in the upcoming draft. The Commanders are quite thin at cornerback but fortunately for them, possibly the most exciting secondary talent in 2022 is still available in this mock draft at No.11.
Gardner allowed just 131 yards in 14 games last year. He’s the number one corner going into the draft and is a no-brainer at 11th overall.
Round 1, 12th overall – Minnesota Vikings
DEREK STINGLEY JR., CB, LSU
Like the Commanders, the Vikings have a real need at cornerback.
LSU’s Derek Stingley Jr. has had a quiet couple of years, but there is no doubt in his potential. He’s got a huge upside and is still one of the most talented players in the draft.
Teaming Stingley up with his former college defensive coordinator Daronte Jones would be an ideal pairing for both parties. This could be a steal for the Vikings, even at twelfth overall.
Round 1, 13th overall – Houston Texans
JORDAN DAVIS, DT, GEORGIA
The Texans need leaders, and Jordan Davis could become their key man on defense.
At 6’6”, the defensive tackle was already known as a prominent figure for Georgia Bulldogs during their run to the National Championship title in 2021.
But after an outrageous 4.7 40-time at the NFL Combine, the stock of Davis has skyrocketed. He’d be a star player for the Texans from day one.
Round 1, 14th overall – Baltimore Ravens
GEORGE KARLAFTIS, EDGE, PURDUE
The Ravens have an obvious need on the edge, and we have them going for a rusher with their first selection in this year’s draft.
George Karlaftis has been falling in recent mocks. But the Greek native is a complete defender with the size and strength to make a quality NFL edge rusher.
He needs to make improvements against the run as we’ve previously outlined, but he’d be a good addition in Baltimore.
Round 1, 15th overall – Philadelphia Eagles
CHRIS OLAVE, WR, OHIO STATE
The Eagles would have loved to get a young star edge rusher in the first round. But with five already off the board by the time of their first selection, they might have to trade into the top 10 to get one.
Head coach Nick Sirianni will be targeting another star receiver in the draft, and we think he’ll convince the Eagles front office go wideout in the first round for the third year in a row.
Ohio State standout Chris Olave is a great option. A duo of Olave and DeVonta Smith is an exciting prospect for Eagles fans.
It will automatically give them one of the better, young wide receiver duos in the league.
Round 1, 16th overall – New Orleans Saints
MATT CORRAL, QB, OLE MISS
Trading up suggests the Saints are chasing a franchise player, and that could very well be a new quarterback.
Offensive tackle should be their number one need, but we have them taking a punt on Matt Corral.
The Ole Miss signal caller might not be the first QB selected, but he could well be the most talented. Despite going under the radar in recent weeks, Corral has a genuine chance of making it into the opening round player.
Round 1, 17th overall – Los Angeles Chargers
TREVOR PENNING, OT, NORTHERN IOWA
The Chargers could go with a receiver to complement Mike Williams and Kennan Allen in the draft. But protecting Justin Herbert should remain the priority in round one.
General manager Tom Telesco hit the ball out of the park with the first round selection of Rashawn Slater in 2021. He should continue making additions to LA’s offensive line.
Adding another tackle like Trevor Penning would ensure Los Angeles have a fortress of protection for their star quarterback.
Round 1, 18th overall – Philadelphia Eagles
TRENT MCDUFFIE, CB, WASHINGTON
Another glaring need for the Eagles is at cornerback. Currently, Darius Slay is CB1, Avonte Maddox the nickel. After that, there isn’t much depth at the position.
Washington’s Trent McDuffie, ranked third in our cornerback ratings, would be a great addition to Philadelphia’s secondary. His versatility, with experience also at safety, makes him an attractive player for many teams.
He might not have ideal size or length, but McDuffie is tough competitor who has the speed and agility to offer a lot in the NFL.
Round 1, 19th overall – New Orleans Saints
CHARLES CROSS, OT, MISSISSIPPI STATE
Jameson Williams is appealing here, but the Saints need to fill the void left by star tackle Terron Armstead.
Mississippi State’s Charles Cross would slot in perfectly at left tackle. He’s got great athleticism and agility for a man who weighs well over 300 pounds.
If he falls to No.19, it would be a dream for New Orleans.
Round 1, 20th overall – Pittsburgh Steelers
MALIK WILLIS, QB, LIBERTY
The Steelers may seem keen on Mitch Trubisky for 2022, but he can’t be the long-term plan after this year.
Liberty’s Malik Willis is a player who is continues to be linked to the Steelers in recent weeks.
They could look to trade up for him, given the mobile quarterback might well end up going very early in this draft.
But if this scenario is available at No.20, Pittsburgh should make this selection.
